RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 21, 2011) – TheHunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is urging sportsmen to encourage others to hunt, while many hunting seasons are under way, with a slogan of “Hunt Like The Future Depends On It.”

“For the future of conservation, the next generation needs to hunt. It’s that important,” said Travis Casper, state acting hunter education coordinator. “We need to mentor youth and present a positive image of hunting to everyone.”

The Hunter Education Program teaches – and sportsmen practice – stewardship of natural resources. Sportsmen also provide the economic backbone for habitat conservation, wildlife research and resource protection.

“Call it nature or the environment, but hunters are an invaluable part of it,” Casper said. “If it weren’t for hunters, endangered species and nongame species wouldn’t fare as well. Hunters get the credit for the resurging populations of numerous species of game animals in North America.”

Tips for mentoring and youth involvement in the outdoors are provided by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, with many conservation programs that foster learning, such as Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, youth hunts, disabled sportsmen and mobility-impaired hunting and fishing opportunities, and a fishing tackle loaner program. The Hunter Education program offers Youth Hunter Safety Skills Tournaments for students to compete and improve skills in team and individual competition, and the National Archery in the Schools Program, extended through physical education classes for grades 4-12 in public schools.

In North Carolina, all first-time hunting license buyers must complete a Hunter Education Course successfully, available for free across the state. Go to www.ncwildlife.org to consult the online version of the 2011-2012 N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest or call 919-707-0031 for more information.